Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators

Summary

Workers manage utility or industrial equipment such as boilers, stationary engines, and generators.

Quick Facts: Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
2010 Median Pay	$52,140 per year $25.07 per hour
Entry-Level Education	High school diploma or equivalent
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	None
On-the-job Training	Long-term on-the-job training
Number of Jobs, 2010	37,600
Job Outlook, 2010-20	6% (Slower than average)
Employment Change, 2010-20	2,300

What Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators Do

Stationary engineers and boiler operators control stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or for industrial purposes.

Work Environment

The majority of stationary engineers and boiler operators work in manufacturing, government, educational services, and hospitals. Workers have a very high rate of occupational injuries and illnesses because they work around hazardous machinery. Those who work in facilities that operate around the clock often work evenings and weekends. Shiftwork also is common.

How to Become a Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator

Stationary engineers and boiler operators need at least a high school diploma. Workers typically begin their careers in mechanic or helper positions and are trained on the job by more experienced engineers.

Pay

The median annual wage of stationary engineers and boiler operators was $52,140 in May 2010.

Job Outlook

Employment of stationary engineers and boiler operators is expected to grow 6 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations. Employment growth will be driven by continuing commercial and industrial development. Those with apprenticeship training will have the best job opportunities.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of stationary engineers and boiler operators with similar occupations.

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Contacts for More Information

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What Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators Do About this section

Stationary engineers and boiler operators repair malfunctioning equipment.

Stationary engineers and boiler operators control stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or for industrial purposes.

Duties

Stationary engineers and boiler operators typically do the following:

• Operate engines, boilers, and auxiliary equipment
• Read gauges, meters, and charts to track boiler operations
• Monitor boiler water, chemical, and fuel levels
• Activate valves to change the amount of water, air, and fuel in boilers
• Fire coal furnaces or feed boilers, using gas feeds or oil pumps
• Inspect equipment to ensure that it is operating efficiently
• Check safety devices routinely
• Record data and keep logs of operation, maintenance, and safety activity

Most large office buildings, malls, warehouses, and other commercial facilities have extensive heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems that maintain comfortable temperatures all year long. Industrial plants often have additional facilities to provide electrical power, steam, or other services. Stationary engineers and boiler operators control and maintain these systems, which include boilers, air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment, turbines, generators, pumps, and compressors.

Stationary engineers and boiler operators start up, regulate, repair, and shut down equipment. They monitor meters, gauges, and computerized controls to ensure that equipment operates safely and within established limits. They use sophisticated electrical and electronic test equipment when servicing, troubleshooting, repairing, and monitoring heating, cooling, and ventilation systems.

Stationary engineers and boiler operators also regularly perform routine maintenance. They may do a complete overhaul or replace defective valves, gaskets, or bearings. In addition, stationary engineers and boiler operators lubricate moving parts, replace filters, and remove soot and corrosion that can make a boiler less efficient.

Work Environment About this section

Stationary engineers and boiler operators typically work in boiler rooms and mechanical rooms.

Stationary engineers and boiler operators held about 37,600 jobs in 2010.

They were employed in a variety of industries. Because most stationary engineers and boiler operators work in large commercial or industrial buildings, the majority of jobs were in manufacturing, government, educational services, and hospitals.

The industries employing the largest numbers of stationary engineers and boiler operators in 2010 were as follows:

In a large building or industrial plant, a senior stationary engineer or boiler operator may be in charge of all mechanical systems in the building and may supervise a team of assistant stationary engineers, assistant boiler tenders, and other operators or mechanics.

In small buildings, there may be only one stationary engineer or boiler operator who operates and maintains all of the systems.

Injuries

Some stationary engineers and boiler operators are exposed to high temperatures, dust, dirt, and loud noise from the equipment. Maintenance duties also may require contact with oil, grease, and smoke.

Workers spend much of their time on their feet. They also may have to crawl inside boilers and work while crouched or kneel to inspect, clean, or repair equipment.

Stationary engineers and boiler operators have a much-higher-than-average rate of occupational injuries and illnesses. Because they work around hazardous machinery, they must follow procedures to guard against burns, electric shock, noise, dangerous moving parts, and exposure to hazardous materials.

Work Schedules

Most stationary engineers and boiler operators work full time during regular business hours. In facilities that operate around the clock, engineers and operators usually work one of three 8-hour shifts on a rotating basis. Because buildings are open 365 days a year, many must work weekends and holidays.

How to Become a Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator About this section

Stationary engineers and boiler operators continue training throughout their career.

Stationary engineers and boiler operators need at least a high school diploma. They typically begin their careers in mechanic or helper positions and are trained on the job by more experienced engineers. 

Training

Stationary engineers and boiler operators typically learn their work through long-term on-the-job training. They learn their trade by working as helpers, mechanics, or technicians under the supervision of an experienced engineer. After training and gaining experience, they are eligible to advance to operator and engineer positions within that facility.

Some stationary engineers and boiler operators complete apprenticeship programs sponsored by the International Union of Operating Engineers. Apprenticeships usually last 4 years, include 8,000 hours of on-the-job training, and require 600 hours of technical instruction. Apprentices learn about the operation and maintenance of equipment; controls and balancing of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; safety; electricity; and air quality.

Many employers encourage and pay for skill improvement training for their employees. Experienced stationary engineers and boiler operators update their skills regularly through training, especially when new equipment is introduced or when regulations change.

Licenses

Some state and local governments require licensure for stationary engineers and boiler operators. These governments typically have several classes of stationary engineer and boiler operator licenses. Each class specifies the type and size of equipment the engineer is permitted to operate without supervision.

A top-level engineer or operator is qualified to run a large facility, supervise others, and operate equipment of all types and capacities. Engineers and operators with licenses below this level are limited in the types or capacities of equipment they may operate without supervision.

Applicants for licensure usually must be at least 18 years of age, meet experience requirements, and pass a written exam. Many job openings require that workers be licensed before starting the job, although some jobs may offer apprenticeships. A stationary engineer or boiler operator who moves from one state or city to another may have to pass an examination for a new license because of regional differences in licensing requirements.

Education

Stationary engineers and boiler operators need at least a high school diploma. Students should take courses in math, science, and mechanical and technical subjects.

With the growing complexity of the work, vocational school or college courses may benefit workers trying to advance in the occupation.

Work Experience

Stationary engineers and boiler operators who do not complete a formal apprenticeship or vocational program usually need several years of work experience. Many gain experience working as maintenance helpers, mechanics, or technicians.

Advancement

Generally, stationary engineers and boiler operators advance as they obtain higher class licenses, which allow them to work with larger, more powerful, and more varied equipment. In jurisdictions where licenses are not required, workers usually advance by taking company-administered exams. Due to the growing complexity of the work, continuing education, such as taking vocational school or college courses, can benefit workers who want to advance in the occupation.

Important Qualities

Detail oriented. Stationary engineers and boiler operators monitor intricate machinery, gauges, and meters to ensure that everything is operating properly.

Manual dexterity. Stationary engineers and boiler operators must use precise motions to control or repair machines. They grasp tools and use their hands to perform many tasks.

Mechanical skills. Stationary engineers and boiler operators must know how to use tools and work with machines. They must be able to repair, maintain, and operate equipment.

Problem-solving skills. Stationary engineers and boiler operators must figure out how things work and quickly solve problems that arise with equipment or controls.

Technical skills. Stationary engineers and boiler operators must be able to understand and operate machines and electronic and computer controls.

Pay About this section

The median annual wage of stationary engineers and boiler operators was $52,140 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $32,640, and the top 10 percent earned more than $73,580.

Starting pay for apprentice stationary engineers and boiler operators is typically 45 percent to 60 percent of that of a fully trained worker.

Many stationary engineers and boiler operators are members of a union.

Most stationary engineers and boiler operators work full time during regular business hours. In facilities that operate around the clock, engineers and operators usually work one of three 8-hour shifts on a rotating basis. Because buildings are open 365 days a year, many must work weekends and holidays.

Job Outlook About this section

Employment of stationary engineers and boiler operators is projected to grow 6 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations.

Employment growth will be driven by continuing commercial and industrial development. New development and construction will increase the number of buildings with stationary engines and boiler systems that will need to be operated and maintained. 

Although employment is spread across many industries, it is concentrated in those that require large commercial and industrial buildings. As a result, most employment gains will come from growth in these industries.

Faster employment growth is expected in educational services and hospitals as more buildings are built to accommodate a growing population in need of such services. Stationary engineers and boiler operators are especially important in buildings that operate around the clock and need precise temperature control, such as hospitals.

Fewer jobs will be added in manufacturing and government as employment slows or declines in these sectors.

Job Prospects

Job opportunities should be best for those with apprenticeship training. Stationary engineer and boiler operator positions are relatively high paying, and engineering staffs are typically small.

Although apprenticeship programs have a competitive application process, they are the most reliable path into the occupation. In addition, workers who are licensed before they look for work will have better job opportunities.

Contacts for More Information About this section

For information about apprenticeships, vocational training, and job opportunities, contact

• State employment service offices
• Local chapters of the International Union of Operating Engineers
• Vocational schools
• State and local licensing agencies

Information about apprenticeships is also available from the U.S. Department of Labor's toll-free help line: (877) 872-5627 or the Employment and Training Administration.

For more information about training or becoming a stationary engineer or boiler operator, visit

National Association of Power Engineers